Springfield crime: Car with keys in ignition stolen from South End gas station, torched on Clinton Street

SPRINGFIELD — A car stolen early Tuesday from a South End gas station was set ablaze minutes later on Clinton Street, according to authorities.

A woman told police her 2005 Honda Accord was taken from the Citgo station at Locust and Mill streets around 2 a.m. She left the keys in the car's ignition when she entered the business, police said.

About 10 minutes later, police located a car fire near the end of Clinton Street, a dead-end road between Interstate 91 and the Connecticut River. Springfield firefighters responded to 135 Clinton St., a fenced-in area near an electrical substation, where they quickly extinguished the flaming vehicle.

The Honda was destroyed in the fire, which is under investigation by arson officials, said Dennis Leger, executive aide to Springfield Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant.

Smoke was visible from I-91 and East Columbus Avenue as police cruisers searched the riverfront area for possible suspects, who may have fled the fire scene on foot.